Cross-strut

ABSTRACT

The present technology relates to beams having a cross section defining a plurality of channels and assemblies comprising the beams. In embodiments the cross section may define four channels, facing in four directions. The cross section has the advantages of providing structural channels that provide strength, platforms for attaching sliding and fastening components, and conduits for protecting internal components. The interior and exterior surfaces of the channels are configured to permit multiple carriers to slide/roll in linear motion independently in multiple directions, with smooth action and stability due to one or more guiding features to distribute load. These and other embodiments are discussed in greater detail in the detailed description and drawing figures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from and is a non-provisional ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/475,711, entitled “MULTI-DIRECTIONSTRUCTURAL CHANNEL,” filed on Mar. 23, 2017, the entire contents ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This technology relates to structural channels which provide functionalcapability in multiple directions, for example providing platforms forcomponent attachments in multiple directions and physical protection tosystem integrated components inside the structural channel. Moreparticularly, the disclosed structural channels are configured toprovide platforms for permitting multiple carriers to slide and/or rollin linear motion independently in multiple directions.

BACKGROUND

Unistruts are a standardized formed structural system used in theconstruction and electrical industries for light structural support,often for supporting wiring, plumbing, or mechanical components such asair conditioning or ventilation systems.

FIG. 1 shows Unistrut channels in various configurations. Unistrutchannels are formed from sheet metal folded over into an open channelshape with inwards curving lips to provide additional stiffness and as alocation to mount interconnecting components. Unistrut channels haveholes in the base to facilitate interconnection or fastening theUnistrut to underlying building structures. FIG. 2 shows an exampleapplication of a Unistrut.

Unistrut channels can be used in connecting lengths of Unistrut togetherand other hardware to the Unistrut, for example using variousspecialized Unistrut specific fasteners and bolts. A disadvantage of theUnistrut occurs when components need to be attached facing differentdirections. In order to accomplish this with Unistrut time consumingmodification is needed, such as welding, drilling more holes or boltingthese additional items with additional fasteners. The resultingstructure either lacks structural integrity or has a low ratio ofstructural integrity over weight, i.e. the assembly is very heavyrelative to how strong it is. Examples of undesirable assemblies areshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Further, Unistruts have the disadvantage oflacking surfaces which provide platforms to allow smooth rolling andsliding for linear movement assemblies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present technology relates to beams having a cross section defininga plurality of channels and assemblies comprising the beams. Inembodiments the cross section may define four channels, facing in fourdirections. The cross section has the advantages of providing structuralchannels that provide strength, platforms for attaching sliding andfastening components, and conduits for protecting internal components.The interior and exterior surfaces of the channels are configured topermit multiple carriers to slide/roll in linear motion independently inmultiple directions, with smooth action and stability due to one or moreguiding features to distribute load. These and other embodiments arediscussed in greater detail in the detailed description and drawingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative aspects of the present disclosure are described in detailbelow with reference to the following drawing figures. It is intendedthat that embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be consideredillustrative rather than restrictive

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of Unistrut channels.

FIG. 2 shows an assembly of two Unistrut channels.

FIG. 3A shows a cross section of a Unistrut channel assembly.

FIG. 3B shows a cross section of a Unistrut channel assembly.

FIG. 4A shows a channel according to the present technology.

FIG. 4B shows detail of a flange of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5 shows a beam according to the present technology, with the middlesection omitted for clarity purposes.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the beam of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a perspective view and cross section view of anembodiment including an electrical actuator embedded in a beam.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a perspective and cross section view of anembodiment including guides within a beam.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a perspective and cross section view an embodimentincluding a guide within a beam.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a perspective and cross section view anembodiment including a guide within a beam.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a perspective and cross section view of exemplaryembodiments of rollers which may be used with a beam according to thepresent technology.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a perspective and cross section view of exemplaryembodiments of roller assemblies, each comprising multiple rollers whichmay be used with a beam according to the present technology.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a perspective and cross section view of anembodiment of a roller/guide assembly which may be used with a beamaccording to the present technology.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a perspective and cross section view of anembodiment of a roller/guide assembly with an actuator which may be usedwith a beam according to the present technology.

FIG. 15 shows cross section views and close up views of an end flange ofa beam according to the present technology.

FIG. 16A shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology in a “T” shape.

FIG. 16B shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology in a “T” shape.

FIG. 16C shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology with variable thickness walls.

FIG. 16D shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology with variable thickness walls in a “T” shape.

FIG. 16E shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology in a “T” shape and thicker inner walls.

FIG. 16F shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology with tubular flanges.

FIG. 16G shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology with a single channel.

FIG. 16H shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a beam accordingto the present technology with two opposing channels.

FIGS. 16I-P show cross section views of embodiments of beams accordingto the present technology with hollow central portions.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic of a lifting beam assembly according to thepresent technology.

FIG. 18A shows a pulley lifting beam assembly according to the presenttechnology.

FIG. 18B shows a mechanically synchronized beam assembly according tothe present technology.

FIG. 19 shows a beam assembly for a utility truck according to thepresent technology.

FIGS. 20A-20D show the beam assembly of FIG. 19 installed in a utilitytruck in various configurations.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show an elevator assembly according to the presenttechnology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes embodiments of channels, beams, andapparatuses and systems composed of embodiment of the beams. Certaindetails are set forth in the following description and in the figures toprovide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the presenttechnology.

Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in thefigures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments. Accordingly,other embodiments can include other details, dimensions, angles andfeatures without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentinvention. Various embodiments of the present technology can alsoinclude structures other than those shown in the figures and areexpressly not limited to the structures shown in the figures. Moreover,the various elements and features shown in the figures may not be drawnto scale. In the figures, identical reference numbers identify identicalor at least generally similar elements.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete ornearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property,state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is“substantially” uniform in height to another object would mean that theobjects are either completely or nearly completely uniform in height.The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness mayin some cases depend on the specific context, however, generallyspeaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the sameoverall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to anumerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “above”or “below” the value. For example, the given value modified by about maybe, for example, by ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, ±20%.

Wherever used throughout the disclosure and claims, the term “generally”has the meaning of “approximately” or “closely” or “within the vicinityor range of”. The term “generally” as used herein is not intended as avague or imprecise expansion on the term it is selected to modify, butrather as a clarification and potential stop gap directed at those whowish to otherwise practice the appended claims, but seek to avoid themby insignificant, or immaterial or small variations. All suchinsignificant, or immaterial or small variations should be covered aspart of the appended claims by use of the term “generally”.

As used herein, the terms “back”, “side”, “front”, “inner” and “outer”are used to provide orientation, direction, position, or a referencepoint other component. It will be understood that the spatially relativeterms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device inuse or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would thenbe oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, a term such as“below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below, dependingon the context of its use. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,it should be understood that the terms do not connote the number ororder of the elements. These terms are used to distinguish one element,component, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “and/or” and “at least one of” include any andall combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

FIG. 4A shows a cross section of a channel 400. As will be discussedbelow the channel 400 may be one of a plurality of channels of a beamand channels of the beam may share walls with various portions of otherchannels of the beam. For clarity, FIG. 4A omits the portions of thebeam beyond the surfaces that define the channel 400, as indicated bythe dashed line 402 around the surface. Channel 400 includes a backinner surface 404, two side inner surfaces 406, and two flanges 408 atthe front 410 of the channel 400. The surfaces described herein withrelation to the channel 400 are substantially planar and extend thelength of the beam which the channel is defined by. As shown, side innersurfaces 406 extend from and are substantially perpendicular to the backinner surface 404, and further are substantially parallel to each other.Side inner surfaces 406 and back inner surface 404 define three sides ofthe channel 400, wherein the fourth side completing the rectangle isreferred to as the front 410 of the channel 400. A centerline 412extends between the middle of the back inner surface 404 and the front410. Flanges 408 extend from the front of the side inner surfaces 406toward the center 412 of the channel 400. As shown the opening 414 tothe channel is defined by the space between the opposing flanges 408.

FIG. 4B shows a detailed cross section of a flange 408 of the channel400 of FIG. 4A. As shown, flanges include a first portion 421 extendingfrom side inner surface 406 toward centerline 412 of the channel 400.First portion 421 includes a first inner surface 424 facing toward andsubstantially parallel to the back inner surface 404 and a first outersurface 426 facing away from and a substantially parallel to the backinner surface 404. First outer surface 426 provides a planar externalsurface for rollers to roll against and guides to slide against. Inembodiments, first outer surface 426 may have a width of between 0.25″and 0.5″. Flange 408 further includes a second portion 422 extendingfrom the end of the first portion 421 opposite the side inner surface406 toward the back inner surface 404. Second portion 422 includessecond inner surfaces 428 substantially parallel to the side innersurface 406 and facing the side inner surface 406 opposite from the sideinner surface 406 from which the flange 408 extends from. The secondinner surface 428 may provide rolling and sliding surfaces that preventmotion of rollers and guides in a direction transverse to the directionof movement. Second inner surfaces may also be referred to as siderolling surfaces. In embodiments, second inner surface 428 may have awidth of between 0.25″ and 0.5″. The distance between second innersurfaces 428 define the opening 414 of the channel 400. In embodiments,the opening is between 0.75″ and 1.0″. Flange 408 further includes athird portion 423 extending from the end of the second portion 422opposite the first portion 421 toward the side inner surface 406 fromwhich the flange 406 that the third portion 423 comprises extends. Thirdportion 423 includes third inner surfaces 432 substantially parallel toand facing the back inner surface 404. Third inner surface 432 providesa rolling or sliding surface that may retain rollers and guides withinthe channel from being pulled out of the channel. In embodiments, thirdinner surface 432 may have a width of between 0.16″ and 0.20″. As shown,a gap 430 is formed between the side inner surface 406 and the thirdportion 423 of the flange 408 since the third portion is shorter thanthe first portion. The gap provides an opening to a passage defined by aportion of the side inner wall 406, the first portion 421, the secondportion 422 and the third portion 423. The passage may be configured toreceive and protect electrical or hydraulic cabling or tubing. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 15, the passage 1502 may protect wiring 1504or tubing 1506.

As shown in FIG. 4A, channel 400 further includes a side outer surfaces434 opposite and sharing a portion of a wall with side inner surfaces406. In embodiments, side outer surface 434 may have a widthsubstantially the same as the depth of the channel 400 or may onlyextend a fraction of the depth of the channel, for example ˜50%. Inembodiments, side outer surfaces 434 of adjacent channels of a beam maybe coplanar or may form inward (i.e. concave) corners.

As shown, channel 400 is substantially rectangular. In embodiments, thechannel may be substantially square. In embodiments the channel may berectangular with the depth 436 greater than the width 438 or the widthgreater than the depth. Deeper channels are beneficial four housingactuators, tubing and cables. Further, shallower channels are beneficialin reducing material costs and size while also providing the beneficialrolling and sliding surfaces as noted above.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a beam including a plurality of channelsas shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Specially, the beam includes four channels.The beams disclosed herein may be any length. For clarity purposes themiddle portion is omitted in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows a cross section of thebeam 500 of FIG. 5. As used herein, directions (e.g. front, back, left,right, up, down, side, outer, central etc.) are used to convey positionsand orientations of components relative to each other and are notintended to limit the position and orientation of the present technologyrelative to its surrounding environment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cross section defines four channels. A firstchannel 501 (Top) and a second channel 502 (Bottom) opposite each other.In embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 6, the back inner surfacesof the first and second channels share a common wall of webbing 550. Inembodiments, opposing channels may have the same depth, or may havedifferent depths. As shown in FIG. 6, the depths of the first and secondchannels are the same, however in embodiments webbing 550 may not be inthe middle of the cross section and the channels may have differentdepths. The first and second channels define a central H frame.

The cross section further defines a third channel 503 (Left) and afourth channel 505 (Right) which oppose each other and are separated bythe H frame of the first and second channels. The back inner surfaces ofthe third and fourth channels share walls with the side inner surfacesof the first and second channels. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6,the third and fourth channels 503 and 504 have a smaller depth than thefirst and second channels 501 and 502. In embodiments, for example asshown in FIG. 6, the first and second channels have a depth of 1.625″and the third and fourth channels have a depth of 0.875″. In theembodiment shown, the first and second channels are generally square andthe third and fourth channels are rectangular with a greater width thandepth. In embodiments, the first and second channels may be rectangularwith a greater depth than width, and the third and fourth channels maybe substantially square or rectangular.

In embodiments, a rectangular bounding box of a four channel beam isdefined by the first outer surfaces of the first, second, third andfourth channels is generally square. A square bounding box isadvantageous in that the beam is versatile by being able to be orientedin any of the four directions around the longitudinal axis of the beamwhile providing channels in the same directions.

As shown, side outer surfaces of the four channels define four inwardcorners. As will be discussed below, the surfaces of the inward cornersmay be used in various rolling and sliding applications.

In embodiments, the surfaces of the channels of a beam provide smoothplanar sliding and rolling surfaces for guides and rollers attached to acarrier bracket to slide and/or roll on in linear motion. Multiplechannels may allow for independent linear motion in multiple directionswithin the channels of a beam. The sliding/rolling surfaces may beplanar and smooth to reduce friction, for example the beam may bemanufactured of extruded aluminum. The corners and edges may be roundedand free from sharp edges to prevent wear on guides and rollers, whichmay be constructed of softer materials than the beam, such as polymers.The wall thickness of the cross section may be uniform or may bedifferent at different sections to provide additional structural supportfor portions of one or more of the channels.

In embodiments, a linear actuator 702 may be disposed within a channelof a beam, for example as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In embodiments, anynumber of the channels of a beam may have a linear actuator disposedwithin them. Linear actuators disposed within a channel may be forexample a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or combinationstherefore. The linear actuators include a translatable piston or sliderwhich may be attached to a carrier bracket external to the beam.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the piston or slider may be positionedwithin the second channel of the beam. The linear actuator 702 iscoupled to a carrier bracket 704 located externally of the channels ofthe beam 100. Carrier bracket 704 is L-shaped and is coupled to a firstguide 706 and a second guide 708 disposed within different channels ofthe beam. The first guide 706 is received in the second channel and thesecond guide 708 is received in the fourth channel. Carrier bracket 704provides mounting surfaces to attach components to be lifted, forexample toolboxes, ladder racks, or elevators, as will be discussedbelow. As shown, the first and second guides have complementary shapesto the channels including notches that the flanges of the channels arereceived within to secure the guides within the channels. Guides securedwithin channels in this manner may be referred to as trapped guides.Trapped guides provide the advantage of maintaining the linear path ofmotion of the guide regardless of a direction of force pulling the guideaway from the channel.

In embodiments, guides include surfaces configured to slide against theback inner surface, the side inner surfaces and the third innersurfaces. The guides may be dimensioned to be slightly smaller than thedimensions of the channel to prevent excess friction. The complementarysurfaces of the guides and channels are configured so that the bracketremains coupled to the beam regardless of the direction of the load onthe bracket relative to the beam. The guides may be constructed of amaterial with low friction with the beam, for example synthetic materialsuch as nylon or fiberglass.

In embodiments, guides attached to a carrier bracket may not be trappedwithin channels of the beam, and will be referred to as free guides. Forexample, FIGS. 8A and 8B show an embodiment including guide 802, whichis a free guide. Guide 802 comprises surfaces configured to glide alongfirst and second portions of the flange. With this configuration, guide802 is not trapped within the channel. This configuration has theadvantage of being easy to install as it can be installed anywhere onthe beam, whereas trapped guides can be installed by inserting a portionof the trapped guide at an end of a channel or by assembling the trappedguide with multiple components sized to be able to enter through theopening of the channel within the channel. The free guide configurationis advantageously used when the carrier bracket is attached to otherguide features in other channels which constrain the movement of thedevice to a linear path or when the free guide will not experienceforces pulling the guide away from the channel.

In embodiments trapped guides may not occupy the entire channel. Forexample, FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment with a guide 902. Guide 902has a depth less than the depth of the channel which it is received in.The space in the channel not occupied by the trapped guide may be usedto house actuators, wires, tubes, or sensors. This configuration of atrapped guide reduces weight and material which is beneficial formanufacturing and movement of the guide.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an embodiment with a guide 1002. Guide 1002occupies the portion of the channel between the flanges and does notoccupy the remaining portion of the channel. In embodiments, thisunoccupied space is occupied by a translatable piston or slider of alinear actuator. As shown, linear actuator 1004 occupies the channel andis coupled to guide 1002. The linear actuator is secured to the guideand moves the guide to positions along the length of the beam.

In embodiments, in addition to sliding guides as discussed above carrierbrackets may be attached to rollers. Rollers may be shaped anddimensioned to contact and roll against one or more surfaces of achannel or multiple channels. FIGS. 11A and 11B show a beam withexemplary embodiments of rollers which may be used with channels asdisclosed herein. Roller 1102 is positioned within the third channel,which in this figure is oriented at the top. Roller 1102 has an axlewhich rotates along an axis of rotation which is parallel to first outersurface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Roller1102 includes outer cylindrical roller surfaces configured to roll alongthe outer first surfaces. Roller 1102 further comprises a centralcylindrical roller surface with a larger diameter than the outercylindrical roller surfaces. The central cylindrical roller surface isdimensioned to span the opening of the channel and be aligned andretained between the second inner surfaces in order to preventtransverse movement of the roller as it rolls along the length of thechannel.

Further shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, roller 1104 is received in the firstchannel, in FIG. 11B on the right. Roller 1104 includes outercylindrical roller portions and a smaller central roller portion. Thecentral roller portion is positioned between the second inner surfacesof the flanges of the channel. The central roller portion includes aroller surface configured to roll against either one of the second innersurfaces of the channel. The distal outer cylindrical portion of roller1104 is positioned within the channel may be configured to roll alongeither one of the side inner surfaces of the channel. The proximal anddistal outer cylindrical portions capture the flanges and prevent theroller from moving in and out of the channel. Further, as shown, roller1104 is sized to occupy a portion of the channel leaving a portion ofthe channel available for other components, as discussed above.

Roller 1106 occupies the second channel, in this figure on the left.Roller 1106 comprises a single cylindrical section. The singlecylindrical section is received within the second channel. The singlecylindrical section is configured to roll against either side innersurface of the channel. The diameter of the single cylindrical sectionmay be at least 0.005″ smaller than the distance between the side innersurfaces, and at least 0.75″ greater than the distance between thesecond inner surfaces of the flanges. This is advantageous in preventingthe roller from being pulled out of the channel.

In embodiments, rollers with portions captured within the channel may beinstalled at the end of a beam, or may be formed of multiple pieceswhich may be inserted through the opening between the end flanges andassembled within the channel.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show exemplary roller assemblies, each comprisingmultiple rollers. Roller assemblies 1202 and 1204 in the first andsecond channels comprise two roller wheels 1206 which attach to anattachment stem 1208 which extends through the opening and is configuredto attach to external devices, for example the arm of a car lift, anelevator cabin, or a sliding door. The roller wheels are positionedbetween the third portions of the flanges and the back inner surfaces ofthe channel, and depending on the orientation of the beam and/or load onthe attachment stem, will roll on either the third portion or the backinner surface.

Roller assembly 1210 is positioned in the third channel and comprises aguide 1212 similar to the free guide shown in FIG. 8A and furthercomprises rollers 1214 positioned on either side of the second channelin the inward corners defined by the outer side surfaces of adjacentchannels. The rollers are configured to roll against the outer sidesurfaces.

Roller assembly 1216 is positioned in the fourth channel and comprises aguide 1218 similar to the trapped guide shown in FIG. 9A, which iscaptured within the channel. The roller assembly 1216 further comprisesrollers 1220 positioned on either side of the second channel in theinward corners. The rollers are configured to roll against the outerside surfaces.

In embodiments, carrier brackets may be coupled to a plurality of guidesand a plurality of rollers engaging a plurality of surfaces of aplurality of channels. For example, FIGS. 13A and 13B show a rollerassembly 1302 including rollers 1304 and guides 1306 configured to bereceived in a plurality of the channels of a beam. As shown the rollerassembly 1302 comprises a u-shaped bracket 1308. The guides 1306 arereceived in three of the four channels. The rollers 1304 include a firstpair configured to roll against the outer side surface of the third andfourth channels in the inward corners adjacent to the first channel anda second pair configured to roll against the outer side surfaces of thesecond channel. As shown, the pairs of rollers have perpendicular axesof rotation which is beneficial in providing alignment and load supportin various loading conditions from various directions. Similarly, theguides of the roller assembly 1302 provide a plurality of surfacesfacing different directions and contacting complementary surfaces of thebeam to also provide alignment and load support in various loadingconditions from various directions.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a roller assembly 1402 including rollers 1404 andguides 1406 configured to be received in a plurality of the channels ofa beam. As shown the roller assembly 1402 comprises a u-shaped bracket1408. The guides 1406 are received in three of the four channels. Therollers 1404 are configured to roll against the outer side surfaces ofthe second channel. The guide 1406 in the third channel is attached to alinear actuator 1410.

The guides, rollers, and assemblies shown herein are exemplaryembodiments, and in other embodiments, any combination of the rollers,guides, brackets and actuators may be used with any of the beamsincluding the channels as disclosed herein.

In embodiments beams may include any number of channels. For example, abeam may have one, two, three or more channels. As disclosed above, inembodiments each of the plurality of channels of a beam may each havethe same depth or a different depth than other channels of the samebeam. FIGS. 16A-16H show cross sections of embodiments of beams. FIG.16A shows a beam with three channels including two deep channelsopposing each other with one shallower channel on the side to form aT-shaped cross section. This configuration may be used with two linearactuators in the deeper channels. FIG. 16B shows a beam with threechannels including one deep central channel and two shallower channelson either side of the central channel to form a T-shape cross section.This configuration may be used with a single linear actuator in thedeeper channel coupled to a carrier bracket with guides and/or rollersengaging surfaces of the shallower channels. FIG. 16C, 16D and 16E showa four channel and a three channel cross section with varying wallthickness. In embodiments, flanges may be tubular and provide circularcross sectioned rolling surfaces, for example as shown in FIG. 16F.

In embodiments a beam may include a single channel, for example as shownin FIG. 16G, which provides the benefits of the rolling and glidingsurfaces as discussed above. The single channel may be of any depth andmay be sized to accommodate a linear actuator. FIG. 16H shows a beamwith two opposing channels. The channels as shown are the same depth butin embodiments may be different depths.

In embodiments, in addition to the channels the cross sections of beammay include a hollow cavity, for example as shown in FIGS. 16I-16L. Thestructures surrounding the hollow cavities give the beam additionalstrength to resist bending a buckling without adding excess additionalweight. In embodiments, the hollow cavity may include a circular trussto provide additional strength, for example as shown in FIGS. 16M-P.

While the channels shown in the figures are generally oriented at 90 and180 degrees relative to adjacent channels, in embodiments adjacentchannels may be positioned at any orientation from 0-180 degrees.

In embodiments, the beams as disclosed herein may be used in systems forsliding equipment, such as a toolbox or work table in and out of a truckbed in an utility truck, loading and unloading ladders and racks on topof work trucks, home or commercial elevators, guides for linear rollingmovement in any direction (e.g. vertical, horizontal, diagonal),structural framing, automatic sliding doors (e.g. for gated communitiesor commercial buildings), guiding devices for window blinds, and garagedoor opening systems.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of a system 1700 comprising a pluralityof beams 1710-1, 1710-2, 1710-3, and 1710-4. The beams may be any of thecross-sections described above. For clarity purposes the beams aredepicted as rectangular prisms, however the beams may be any of theconfigurations described above.

Between the vertical beams 1710 are horizontal lifting shafts 1720. Thehorizontal lifting shafts may be beams as disclosed herein, as wells asother type of beams, tubing and structures capable of being suspended bythe ends. The horizontal lift shafts may be parts of components that arelifted, for example toolboxes, ladder racks, elevator cabins, forklifts,car lifts, stage risers, adjustable beds, desks, or chairs. Thehorizontal lifting shafts 1720 may be coupled to the vertical beams 1710with carrier brackets as described in various embodiments above. Forclarity purposes the carrier brackets are not shown in FIG. 17. One ormore of the channels of any of the vertical beams 1710 may include alinear actuator coupled to the carrier brackets in order to raise andlower the carrier brackets and horizontal lift shafts, as indicated bythe arrows 1730. The vertical beams may be coupled to each other withsupport braces (not shown) and in embodiments the support braces maycouple to the vertical beams with couplings engaging the channels.

In embodiments linear actuators in a plurality of beams may bemechanically synchronized to a single powered motor or multiple poweredmotors. For example a single motor may be coupled to acme screws in twoor more of the beams. Rotating the motor causes a mechanical linkage tosimultaneously rotate each acme screw causing carrier brackets coupledto the acme screws to raise or lower in unison. In embodiments, forexample as shown in FIG. 18A a linear actuator may be directly coupledto a carrier bracket of one of the beams and the carrier bracket may belinked with pulleys 1810 to carrier brackets in other beams so that eachcarrier bracket raises and lowers in unison.

In embodiments, for example as shown FIG. 18B, a component to be lifted,for example a toolbox 1820, may be coupled to two vertical beams 1830with carrier brackets 1840 as described above. Each beam 1830 mayinclude a linear actuator with a motor 1850. The motors may bemechanically coupled with a shaft 1860 in order to synchronize theraising and lowering of the carrier brackets so that the toolbox isalways horizontal while being vertically translated.

FIGS. 19 and 20A-D show an embodiment including four beams that are in autility trucked bed configuration. FIG. 19 shows the assembly withoutthe utility truck for clarity. As shown, the assembly 1900 includes fourvertical beams 1910 in a rectangular configuration corresponding to thefour corners of the truck bed. The tops of the four beams may beconnected with two running rails 1912 extending in the direction of thelength of the utility truck. Further, stationary cross bars 1914 mayextend between the running bars. FIGS. 20A-D shows the assembly 1900installed in a utility truck 2000. The bottoms of the beams may befastened to the truck bed with mounting brackets.

In embodiments, the assembly may include one or two toolboxes 1940extending along the sides of the truck bed between two of the verticalbeams 1910-2 1910-3. The toolboxes 1940 are coupled to carrier bracketson either end of the toolbox. The carrier brackets are slidably coupledto one or more channels of the beams 1910-2 1910-3, for example asdiscussed above regarding guides and rollers. One or both of the carrierbrackets is coupled to a linear actuator disposed in one of the channelsof the beams 1910, as shown for example in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 10A, 10B, 14Aand 14B. A controller is connected to the linear actuators allowing auser to selectively cause toolboxes 1940 to be raised and lowered. FIG.20A shows a lowered positon of the toolboxes 1940. As shown, thetoolboxes 1940 are stowed so at least a lower portion is below the rimof the truck bed. The door of the toolbox 1940 may be on the side thatfaces the side of the truck bed so that when in the lowered positiontampering of the door is prevented because it is blocked by the side ofthe truck bed, as shown in FIG. 20A. This is gives additional securitycompared to a lock alone of preventing theft of tools from the toolbox.FIG. 20B shows a raised positon of the toolboxes 1940. In the raisedposition the bottom portions of the toolboxes are raised above the rimof the truck bed so that the door of the tool box is accessible.

In embodiments, assemblies may include ladder racks with ladder lifts.The ladder racks and lifts allow a user to lean a ladder 2010 againstthe stationary middle crossbar 1914 of the ladder rack and the assemblyautomatically lifts the ladder 2010 to a stowed horizontal position. Asshown in FIG. 19, the assembly may include an aft crossbar 1916 coupledto the aft vertical beams 1910-1 1910-2. The aft crossbar 1916 iscoupled to one of more linear actuators in channels of the verticalbeams 1910-1 1910-2 with carrier brackets for example as disclosed aboveand shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 10A, 10B, 14A and 14B. The linear actuatorscan raise and lower the aft crossbar 1916. As shown in FIG. 20C, the aftcrossbar 1916 may be in a lowered position. In the lowered position auser is able to place a ladder 2010 at an angle onto the aft crossbar1916 and the mid crossbar 1914. The aft crossbar 1916 may be raised asshown in FIGS. 20A and 20B so that the ladder 2010 is in a raisedhorizontal position. This is beneficial to conventional methods ofraising a ladder onto a stationary rack of a truck wherein a user wouldmanually lift the ladder onto a stationary rack.

In embodiments, the ladder rack and toolboxes may each be independentlycontrolled to be raised and lowered with the controller actuatingdedicated linear actuators for each component. In embodiments two ofmore the components may be synchronized either mechanically orelectrically. For example, the linear actuators and controller may beconfigured to raise and lower the toolboxes simultaneously, and may alsobe configured to raise and lower the ladder rack independently of thetoolboxes. In embodiments the linear actuators and controller may beconfigured to raise the toolboxes 1940 to an accessible positon whilesimultaneously lowering the aft crossbar 1916 of the ladder rack to aposition where the ladder 2010 is accessible, for example as shown inFIG. 20C. In this configuration the synchronization translates differentcomponents of the system in opposite directions. This is beneficialbecause the ladder is accessible in the lowered positon while thetoolboxes are accessible in the raised positon. In embodiments a singlepowered linear actuator is mechanically linked to raise and lower all ofthe components in the same or opposite directions simultaneously.

In embodiments, assemblies may be configured for the vertical beams tobe in non-rectangular configurations. For example, FIGS. 21A and 21Bshow an elevator assembly including four vertical beams 2110 in atriangular configuration. FIG. 21B shows a top view of the elevatorassembly. A shown, the beams 2110 may have four channels, for example asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. However, in embodiments, the beams 2110 may haveother numbers of channels. Horizontal lifting beams 2120, for example asdiscussed above, may form triangular lifting platforms. The horizontallifting beams 2120 are coupled to channels of the beams 2110 withcarrier brackets, as disclosed above. An elevator cabin 2130 is coupledto each of the horizontal lifting beams 2120. Linear actuators may bedisposed within channels of one or more of the beams 2110, for exampleas shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 10A, 10B, 14A and 14B. The linear actuatorsmay be synchronized to a single motor 2140. Actuating the linearactuators causes the elevator cabin 2130 to translate vertically alongthe channel of the beams. In embodiments, three vertical beams may beused in place of four vertical beams in a triangular configuration. Forexample in place of read vertical beams 2110-3 and 2110-5 a single rearvertical beam may be used. The rear vertical beam may include linearactuators in multiple channels of the rear vertical beam that are eachcoupled to a different horizontal lifting beam 2120 and are mechanicallysynchronized with linear actuators in channels of the forward beams2110-1 and 2110-2.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thespirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Further,while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of theinvention have been described above in the context of those embodiments,other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not allembodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within thescope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited,except as by the appended claims.

While the above description describes various embodiments of theinvention and the best mode contemplated, regardless how detailed theabove text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of thesystem may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while stillbeing encompassed by the present disclosure. As noted above, particularterminology used when describing certain features or aspects of theinvention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is beingredefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various examples described above can be combined to providefurther implementations of the invention. Some alternativeimplementations of the invention may include not only additionalelements to those implementations noted above, but also may includefewer elements. Further any specific numbers noted herein are onlyexamples; alternative implementations may employ differing values orranges, and can accommodate various increments and gradients of valueswithin and at the boundaries of such ranges.

References throughout the foregoing description to features, advantages,or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present technology should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe present technology may be combined in any suitable manner in one ormore embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize thatthe present technology can be practiced without one or more of thespecific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In otherinstances, additional features and advantages may be recognized incertain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of thepresent technology.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further implementations of theinvention.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling orconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer tothis application as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the applicant contemplates the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the applicantreserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing thisapplication to pursue such additional claim forms, in either thisapplication or in a continuing application.

1. A beam, comprising: one or more substantially rectangular channels,wherein each channel is defined by: a back inner surface; two side innersurfaces, wherein the side inner surfaces face each other, and whereinthe side inner surfaces extend from and are perpendicular to the backinner surface; and a front side comprising: two flanges each extendingfrom an end of a different one of the two side inner surfaces, whereinthe ends of the side inner surfaces are opposite the back inner surface,and wherein each flange comprises: a first portion extendingperpendicularly from one of the two side inner surfaces and defining afirst inner surface parallel to and facing the back inner surface; asecond portion extending perpendicularly from the first portion andtoward the back inner surface, wherein the second portion is planar anddefines a side rolling surface, wherein the side rolling surfaces ofeach flange face each other and define an opening to the channel; and athird portion extending perpendicularly from the second portion andtoward the side inner surface from which the first portion of the flangeextends, wherein the third portion defines a third inner surface that isplanar and is parallel to and faces the back inner surface.
 2. The beamof claim 1, wherein the one or more substantially rectangular channelscomprise a first channel, a second channel, a third channel and a fourthchannel, wherein the openings of the first and second channels face inopposite directions, wherein the openings of the third and fourthchannels face in opposite directions, wherein the back inner surfaces ofthe first and second channels are opposite surfaces of a first sharedwall, wherein the back inner surface of the third channel shares asecond shared wall with a first of the side inner surfaces of each ofthe first and second channels, wherein the back inner surface of thefourth channel shares a third shared wall with a second of the sideinner surfaces of each of the first and second channels, and wherein thefirst portions of the flanges of the first, second third and fourthchannels define a square bounding box.
 3. The beam of claim 2, whereinthe first and second channels each define a first depth between theopenings and the back inner surfaces, and wherein the third and fourthchannels each define a second depth between the openings and the backinner surfaces less than the first depth.
 4. The beam of claim 1,wherein the one or more substantially rectangular channels comprise afirst channel, a second channel, and a third channel, wherein theopenings of the first and second channels face in opposite directions,wherein the opening of the third channel faces in a directionperpendicular to the directions the first and second channels face,wherein the back inner surfaces of the first and second channels areopposite surfaces of a first shared wall, and wherein the back innersurface of the third channel shares a second shared wall with a first ofthe side inner surfaces of the first and second channels.
 5. The beam ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more substantially rectangular channelscomprise a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, whereinthe openings of the first and second channels face in oppositedirections, wherein the opening of the third channel faces in adirection perpendicular to the directions the first and second channelsface, wherein the back inner surface of the third channel is coplanarwith one of the side inner surfaces of each of the first and secondchannel.
 6. The beam of claim 1, wherein the one or more substantiallyrectangular channels comprise a first channel and a second channel,wherein the openings of the first and second channels face in oppositedirections, and wherein the back inner surfaces of the first and secondchannels are opposite surfaces of a first shared wall.
 7. The beam ofclaim 1, wherein the third portion is shorter than the first portion,wherein a gap is defined between an end of the third portion and a firstside inner surface of the side inner surfaces, and wherein the firstside inner surface, the first portion, the second portion and the thirdportion define a passage configured to receive and protect electrical orhydraulic cabling or tubing.
 8. An apparatus, comprising: a beamaccording to claim 2; a bracket, and a first sliding guide coupled tothe bracket and disposed within the first channel; a second slidingguide coupled to the bracket and disposed within the third channel; anda third sliding guide coupled to the bracket and disposed within thefourth channel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a linearactuator disposed within the first channel and coupled to the firstsliding guide, wherein the linear actuator is configured to translatethe bracket along a length of the beam, and wherein motion of thebracket is constrained along a linear path by the first, second andthird sliding guides.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: a beam according toclaim 1; a bracket, and a sliding guide coupled to the bracket anddisposed within a first channel of the one or more substantiallyrectangular channels and configured to slide against the side rollingsurfaces; and a linear actuator disposed within the first channel andcoupled to the sliding guide, wherein the linear actuator is configuredto translate the bracket along a length of the beam.
 11. The beam ofclaim 1, wherein each channel further comprises two side outer surfaceseach sharing a wall and opposite of one of the two side inner surfaces,wherein the side outer surfaces are planar and are configured to providesmooth rolling surfaces for rollers to roll against while translating alength of the beam.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: a beam according toclaim 11, wherein the one or more substantially rectangular channelscomprise a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, whereinside outer surfaces of the first and second channels define a firstinward corner, and wherein side outer surfaces of the first and thirdchannels define a second inward corner; and a first roller assemblycomprising a bracket, a first roller coupled to the bracket that rollsalong a surface of the first inward corner, a second roller coupled tothe bracket that rolls along a surface of the second inward corner, anda sliding guide coupled to the bracket and disposed within the firstchannel.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: a beam according to claim 1,wherein the one or more substantially rectangular channels comprise afirst channel, a second channel, and a third channel, a first rollerassembly comprising one or more first rollers disposed within the firstchannel and coupled to a first bracket external to the first channel,and configured to translate along a length of the beam; and a secondroller assembly comprising one or more second rollers disposed withinthe second channel and coupled to a second bracket external to thesecond channel, and configured to translate along the length of thebeam; wherein the first and second roller assemblies are configured totranslate the length of the beam independently of each other.
 14. Anapparatus, comprising: at least two beams according to claim 1, whereinthe at least two beams comprise a first beam and a second beam, whereinthe first and second beams are oriented vertically; a first bracketcoupled to a first channel of the first beam and configured to translatevertically; a second bracket coupled to a second channel of the secondbeam and configured to translate vertically; a horizontal beam coupledto the first and second brackets; and a linear actuator disposed withineither the first or second channel and coupled to the first bracket orsecond bracket to cause the horizontal beam to translate vertically. 15.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the horizontal beam is a toolbox. 16.The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least two beams furthercomprise a third beam, and wherein the apparatus further comprises: athird bracket coupled to a third channel of the first beam andconfigured to translate vertically; a fourth bracket coupled to a fourthchannel of the third beam and configured to translate vertically; asecond horizontal beam coupled to the third and fourth brackets, whereinthe second horizontal beam is a ladder rack; and a second linearactuator disposed within either the third or fourth channel and coupledto the third or fourth bracket to cause the second horizontal beam totranslate vertically.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the linearactuator and second linear actuator are mechanically synchronized tocause the toolbox and ladder rack to translate verticallysimultaneously.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the tool box andladder rack translate vertically simultaneously in opposite directions.19. An apparatus, comprising: at least three beams according to claim 1,wherein the at least three beams comprise a first beam, a second beamand a third beam, wherein the first, second and third beams are orientedvertically; a first bracket coupled to a first channel of the first beamand configured to translate vertically; a second bracket coupled to asecond channel of the second beam and configured to translatevertically; a third bracket coupled to a third channel of the third beamand configured to translate vertically; a fourth bracket coupled to afourth channel of the first beam and configured to translate vertically;a first horizontal beam coupled to the first and second brackets; asecond horizontal beam coupled to the third and fourth brackets; a firstlinear actuator disposed within the first channel and coupled to thefirst bracket to cause the first horizontal beam to translatevertically, a second linear actuator disposed within the fourth channeland coupled to the fourth bracket to cause the second horizontal beam totranslate vertically; and an elevator cabin coupled to the first andsecond horizontal beams.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, furthercomprising: a third linear actuator disposed within the second channeland coupled to the second bracket, wherein the third linear actuator ismechanically synchronized with the first linear actuator; and a fourthlinear actuator disposed within the third channel and coupled to thethird bracket, wherein the fourth linear actuator is mechanicallysynchronized with the second linear actuator.